post B.S. - PharmD: is it worth it?

Started by Lily999
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It would depend on your current age, where you work, and your future career goals.

If you are over 50, work retail, and plan to continue working retail then no.

If you are under 50 and work as a hospital pharmacist then yes.

What program are you considering? There aren't too many left.


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Thanks for any inputs!

Get a job as a pharmacy technician or cashier (or intern if you are in pharm school... and if you are, then what is the point of your question) at any pharmacy ASAP. At least try to volunteer somewhere so you have an idea of what it is like day to day. Do not permit yourself to eat or go to the bathroom while you are there.
 
I am a licensed pharmacist. In my 30's. I got my BS pharmacy degree outside of the country. So I am thinking of getting a pharm D through distance learning while working full time. But I am not sure if this is worthy because I have to pay about $50k for 3 years program. Will employer still question about my degree since I get it online?




It would depend on your current age, where you work, and your future career goals.

If you are over 50, work retail, and plan to continue working retail then no.

If you are under 50 and work as a hospital pharmacist then yes.

What program are you considering? There aren't too many left.


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$50,000?!! OMG!! Did you look at Idaho State's program? The didactic portion is online and then there are 3 6 week rotations at the end. Only 2 campus visits are required. The hardest part is scheduling the rotations since they require a brief (18 week) full time commitment and you need to have an idea where you would be able to complete them in your area.

They also will decrease the number of didactic hours if you are BCPS.
 
Will employer still question about my degree since I get it online?

It's the same diploma.

Do any of the programs have it all online? I don't think a program without rotations would be very useful. Although a pain it is still a fantastic experience if you have a good site available.
 
It has rotations. So I have to fly over to the campus every year. That adds extra cost $12k to the tuition $35k. Total would be around $50k
 
It has rotations. So I have to fly over to the campus every year. That adds extra cost $12k to the tuition $35k. Total would be around $50k
That is just too expensive for a nontraditional PharmD. If you work retail and plan to continue to work retail then it's probably not worth the money and hassle.

If you are in a hospital and want to remain competitive then it would be more practical.
 
There are a few places it would be of benefit. For one example, the clinical coordinator position at my hospital requires a PharmD - a very good BS candidate (even internal) was not given an interview because he did not have one. Most of the time it is not worth it, especially if you are going to stay in your current position. But can help for advancement. I know several people who did University of Florida's program and like it. But don't know much more than that,
 
Get a job as a pharmacy technician or cashier (or intern if you are in pharm school... and if you are, then what is the point of your question) at any pharmacy ASAP. At least try to volunteer somewhere so you have an idea of what it is like day to day. Do not permit yourself to eat or go to the bathroom while you are there.
Are you an dumb? Obviously she is an Rph and is looking to obtain her PharmD. Is this part of the new crop of bright PharmDs that are about to graduate and showcase their amazing clinical skills?
 
Thanks for any inputs!
The answer to your question is no. Remember, what allows you to get paid as a pharmacist is your license not your degree. The degree is nothing more than a stepping stone to the ultimate prize which is your pharmacy license. As for clinical positions, the entry level degree is really not important. All it does is let an employer know when you graduated. What would distinguish you is the residency program that you completed and the number and types of certifications that you have.
 
I got my nontraditional PharmD through the University of Florida's WPPD program. I work in a hospital and it definitely opened doors for me. It didn't increase my pay though. Cost for the program at the time was around $30K. My employer paid about $11K of it. I think UF's program has changed a bit since I went through it. I only had to go to campus once. I am not sure if that is still the same.
 
Thanks for any inputs!

The answer today could be "may be", but, few yrs from now the answer will be "definitely worth it" The market is flooded with Rphs. We have to stick out and compete. B.S is no longer good enough to get a job. At least that's what I think.
 
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